Russell Westbrook is back on the free-agent market after declining his player option with the Denver Nuggets. Though a return to Denver seemed possible at first, it now looks like the door has closed.
The former MVP played in 75 games for the Nuggets last season, starting 36 of them. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists while serving as a high-energy contributor off the bench. But Denver’s recent moves suggest the team is headed in a different direction.
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The Nuggets have added Tim Hardaway Jr. and brought back Bruce Brown, both of whom are expected to strengthen the team’s bench unit. According to multiple reports, including ESPN’s Shams Charania, those additions leave little room for a Westbrook reunion.
Beverley Says Nuggets Prioritized Shooting Over Westbrook
During a recent episode of the “Pat Bev Podcast” from Barstool Sports, Patrick Beverley shared his thoughts on Denver’s offseason decisions. Co-host Adam “Rone” Ferrone suggested the Nuggets have moved on from Westbrook by bringing in more reliable perimeter threats.
“That move is gonna have them getting off of Russ,” Ferrone said. “The Kings are making a big push for Russ, but that leaves a divot in Denver’s backup point guard rotation.”
Beverley agreed with the take, adding:
“When you add some shooting around [Nikola Jokic] like they have with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown… I think Tim Hardaway Jr. is gonna light that place up.”
The comment came from someone with a long and complex history with Westbrook. Beverley and Westbrook famously clashed during the 2013 playoffs, but they later became teammates on the Lakers and publicly ended their feud. Despite that rocky past, Beverley has often praised Westbrook’s leadership and toughness.
Still, Beverley sees the logic in Denver’s choice to focus on shooting. The Nuggets rely heavily on Jokic’s playmaking, and spacing has always been key to unlocking his full offensive potential.
With the Nuggets shifting focus, Westbrook’s next destination remains unclear. The Sacramento Kings are rumored to have interest, but there’s been no official word on where the veteran point guard will land.
For now, Westbrook waits, while the Nuggets move forward with a backcourt built around shooting and depth.
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